Hi guys, I'm a A2 student hoping to go into medicine after a taking a gap year this year. I am predicted A*AA for A2. The problem is, that I did pretty badly on my GCSE exams. I got 3A's 7B's and 4C's, one of which includes English language. I'm not sure if I would still get into Medical School after a gap year with these grades. I've been told (by a head of admissions) that some Medical Schools disregard GCSE's if you have full A-levels and meet the entry requirements. But I'm still not sure if I would be accepted with the grades I have.

(Original post by namikazezoro)
Hi guys, I'm a A2 student hoping to go into medicine after a taking a gap year this year. I am predicted A*AA for A2. The problem is, that I did pretty badly on my GCSE exams. I got 3A's 7B's and 4C's, one of which includes English language. I'm not sure if I would still get into Medical School after a gap year with these grades. I've been told (by a head of admissions) that some Medical Schools disregard GCSE's if you have full A-levels and meet the entry requirements. But I'm still not sure if I would be accepted with the grades I have.

Any advice on what to do?

It's not the overall grades that are the problem - there are plenty of medical schools that aren't GCSE-heavy - but the C in English language narrows down the number of schools that you're eligible for to about six (see here), most of which, e.g. Durham, Exeter, Plymouth, place a strong emphasis on the UKCAT, so you'll need to ace that.

You can be accepted if you apply strategically and do well on the UKCAT. Make sure you prepare well in advance for it.